Oral health and quality of life correlated in a population of female prisoners in the city of Latina

For many years the WHO has dealt with the issue of prisoners health through the publication of specific reports that outline a picture made up of a rather young population suffering mainly from psychic, infectious and oral diseases. Women in prison often come from unfavorable environments and many of them have suffered psycologic problem, from alcohol or drug addiction and inadequate health care prior to detention. and bad condition of oral cavity are nothing more than the direct consequence. Moreover this population presents a greater risk of traumas of the complex gold-facial, due to the health implications of the frequent episodes of violence and abuse that they are found. The aim of the study is to pay particular attention to the specific health needs of the inmates and to guarantee a system of promotion of sensitive oral health, recognizing the opportunity to strengthen and support the care of one’s own person, promoting the recovery of esteem and safety. Methods: The study took place at the Latina District House “in which prisoners awaiting trial are present and those sentenced to sentences of less than five years. Inside the prison there are also 35 prisoners belonging to the high security AS2 and AS3 circuit, traditionally dedicated to the detainees belonging to organized terrorist and mafia groups. Three different questionnaires were used, administered in a face to face interview mode: EGOHI D II - Full Standard Clinical Survey From 2007, which collects clinical data such as CPI and DMFT; Questionnaire OHIP-14, which assesses the quality of life in relation to oral health and the EGOHID Adult Questionnaire which collects data on various habits and lifestyles. The informed consent was made verbally for each detainee who took part in the visit, and for completing the questionnaires. Results: The total female sample is 26 inmates. The age range is between 20 and 79 years with an average age of 42 and 96.4% is a smoker. 96.2% of the prisoners (25) are Italian nationals, 3.8% (one inmate) of foreign nationality. The sample presents a DMFT of 13.84 and poor management of soft tissue presenting generalized loss of attack in 61.6% of cases, a plaque index corresponding to 3 in 65.5% and accumulation of generalized tarate in 57, 7% of cases. The data related to the OHIP-14 show the presence in more than 50% of the sample of painful points inside the mouth, difficulty in relaxing and chewing. In fact, in 62% of the cases the last dental visit was requested for an emergency intervention. Conclus ionS: Very often visit of the oral cavity is able to intercept situations of abuse and violence otherwise silenced. Good oral health also makes it possible to communicate effectively and relate positively with the community once the sentence has ended, also in relation to a potential job placement, possibly incurring a minor percentage in abuses and acts of psycho-physical violence. For this reason, the promotion of a management and prevention campaign in the field of oral health is desirable to improve the living conditions during and after the period of detention.